Proximity to subway and historic district created uniqueness. Manhattan developer sought a variance to build an 11-story, mixed residential and commercial project on a 10,697-square-foot lot at 122 Greenwich Avenue at Eighth Avenue, arguing that the lot’s proximity to the Eighth Avenue subway line, its split zoning, the shallow depth, its location within the Greenwich Village Historic District, and its odd five-sided shape made an as-of-right building infeasible. The final 11-story undulating glass design necessitated variances to floor area, lot coverage, height and setback, among others. Landmarks approved the Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates design in September 2006, finding that its modern shape and materials created a contrast that would enhance the existing surrounding buildings.

Vocal opponents to the project included Borough President Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, who argued that due to its desirable location, the project had no genuine financial hardship. The lot currently contains a parking lot.

Relying on the developer’s expert testimony, BSA approved, finding the site unique due to its shallow depth and the fact that the subway easement impacted the entire development site. BSA agreed with the developer that Landmarks’ approval and overall concerns for “design cohesiveness” played a “fundamental role” in the need for zoning waivers.